Common Questions & Answers about Ordering Materials from the NICHD

An Important Note About International Requests

The NICHD Information Resource Center does not send materials to international addresses; materials are available only to those in the United States and its territories. Because the majority of the Institute's publications and materials are available for viewing, downloading, and printing from the NICHD Web site, we encourage users outside the United States to access NICHD materials in this manner. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause.

Q: Is there a cost for ordering publications from the NICHD?
A: No, all NICHD publications and materials are free, and there are currently no shipping or handling charges.

Q: Is there a limit to how many publications I can order?
A: The online order system does have some order limits. These limits are to help ensure that the NICHD can provide materials to the largest number of people possible and can fill as many orders as possible with its inventory. The amount available varies by item and may change depending on our supply at the time. You will be notified at checkout if you exceed the ordering limit.

Q: Is there any way to get copies of a publication beyond the order limit?
A: Yes. The NICHD frequently provides large numbers of publications, beyond the limits of the online order system, for special events, health fairs, and meetings, and to schools and non-profit organizations. If you would like to request a large number of copies, please contact the Information Specialists at the NICHD Information Resource Center at 1-800-370-2943 or at NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov to make arrangements.

Q: Can I submit multiple orders to get the number of publications that I need?
A: The Institute encourages requestors who need large amounts of materials to contact us directly at 1-800-370-2943, or by e-mail at NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov rather than submitting multiple requests. It is easier and more cost-efficient for the NICHD Information Resource Center to deal with one large order instead of many smaller orders.

Q: Is it OK to photocopy NICHD publications, or to download them from the Web site and print them?
A: Yes. At this time, the NICHD holds no copyright on the text of its publications; text may be reproduced, in whole or in part (unaltered), as needed. If you choose to use NICHD text, please cite the "Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS" as the source of the information, so that others can contact us if they need additional information or if they want to order publications.

Q: How soon will I receive my materials?
A: In most cases, you will receive your materials within two to three weeks of placing your order. Each order is processed within five business days of receipt. If you have not received the materials you requested within three weeks, please call the NICHD Information Resource Center at 1-800-370-2943 so that we can verify the status of your order.

Q: What if I need to receive materials overnight or within a few days?
A: The NICHD Information Resource Center can ship materials overnight at the requester's expense. It is best to contact us by telephone (1-800-370-2943) for rush requests. You will need to provide a Federal Express account number or major credit card number and expiration date to the Information Specialist. Please note that this information is not stored; to ensure your privacy and security, all such information is destroyed once the shipment has left the facility.

Q: How often can I order free materials?
A: You may order our free materials as often as once a month. This will allow us to provide materials to the largest number of people and fill as many orders as possible with the available inventory.

Q: Can I place an order for my friend or family member?
A: Due to privacy laws, we are unable to send materials to another person without his/her consent. You may, however, suggest that your friend or family member contact the NICHD Information Resource Center to request our free materials.